System for providing a single serving of a frozen confection

ABSTRACT

A system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, wherein the system comprises a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; the system cools the pod; the system introduces water into the pod; the system simultaneously stirs the contents of the pod while scraping at least one wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection on the at least one wall of the pod; and the system ejects the frozen confection out of the pod.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/518,045, filed Jul. 22, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/625,690, filed Jun. 16, 2017, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,358,284, issued Jul. 23, 2019, which claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,001, filed Jun. 16,2016, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties

FIELD

This invention relates generally to systems for providing a frozenconfection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, etc.), and moreparticularly to systems for providing a single serving of a frozenconfection.

BACKGROUND

Current domestic ice cream makers are generally designed to producerelatively large batches of ice cream, typically ranging from 1.0 literto 2.0 liters or more, in a time period of approximately 20-60 minutes.In addition, most current domestic ice cream makers also require thatthe containers (within which the ice cream will be produced) be “frozen”before making the ice cream, i.e., the container must be placed in afreezer for approximately 4-8 hours before use. Thus, there is asubstantial delay between the time that the making of the ice creamcommences and the time that the batch of ice cream is completed.Furthermore, even after the batch of ice cream has been completed, it isstill necessary to manually remove the ice cream from the ice creammaker, and then it is also necessary to scoop out single servings of theice cream into a separate container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) forconsumption.

Thus there is a need for a new system for providing a single serving ofa frozen confection, in a reduced period of time, and which is dispenseddirectly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which itwill be consumed.

In addition, it would also be desirable for the same system to becapable of providing a single serving of a cold beverage, and/or asingle serving of a hot beverage.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel systemfor providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reducedperiod of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container(e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed.

In addition, the same system is also capable of providing a singleserving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod forproviding a single serving of an ingestible substance, the podcomprising:

a base having an outer perimeter and an inner opening;

an outer hollow tube mounted at the outer perimeter of the base;

an inner hollow tube mounted at the inner opening of the base;

wherein the base, the outer hollow tube and the inner hollow tubetogether define a recess;

at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the ingestiblesubstance, the at least one ingredient being disposed within the recess;and

a cap having an outer perimeter and an inner opening, the outerperimeter of the cap being slightly smaller than the diameter of theouter hollow tube and the inner opening of the cap being slightly largerthan the diameter of the inner hollow tube, such that the cap can beadvanced within the recess toward the base.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod forproviding a single serving of a frozen confection, the pod comprising:

a container having a recess;

at least one scraper paddle movably disposed within the recess;

at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the frozenconfection, the at least one ingredient being disposed within the recessof the container; and

a cap movable into the recess of the container.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod forproviding a single serving of a frozen confection, the pod comprising:

a substantially rigid container having a recess;

at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the frozenconfection, the at least one ingredient being disposed within the recessof the container; and

a cap movable into the recess of the container.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatusfor providing a single serving of an ingestible substance, the apparatuscomprising:

a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient forforming a single serving of the ingestible substance, wherein the nestcomprises an annular recess for receiving a pod having an annularconfiguration;

a cooling unit for cooling the pod;

a water supply for introducing water into the pod; and

an air supply for introducing air into the pod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatusfor providing a single serving of a ingestible substance, the apparatuscomprising:

a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient forforming a single serving of the ingestible substance, wherein the podcomprises at least one internal paddle;

a cooling unit for cooling the pod;

a water supply for introducing water into the pod; and

a rotation unit for rotating the at least one internal paddle of thepod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatusfor providing a single serving of an ingestible substance, the apparatuscomprising:

a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient forforming a single serving of the ingestible substance;

a heat transfer unit for transferring heat between the pod and the nest,wherein the heat transfer unit is capable of (i) taking heat out of thepod, and (ii) supplying heat to the pod; and

a water supply for introducing water into the pod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a methodfor providing a single serving of a frozen confection, the methodcomprising:

providing a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing asingle serving of a frozen confection;

cooling the pod;

introducing water into the pod;

simultaneously stirring the contents of the pod while scraping at leastone wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection onthe at least one wall of the pod; and

ejecting the frozen confection out of the pod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is tobe considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein likenumbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

FIGS. 1-6 are schematic views showing a novel system for providing asingle serving of a frozen confection, wherein all of the components ofthe system are shown in FIGS. 1-3 as being opaque and wherein some ofthe components of the system are shown in FIGS. 4-6 as beingtransparent;

FIGS. 7-12 are schematic views showing further details of the nestassembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic views showing further details of (i) thelid assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6, (ii) portions of the coldwater and air delivery assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6, and(iii) the control electronics of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic views showing, among other things, furtherdetails of the heat dissipation assembly of the system shown in FIGS.1-6;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing further details of the controlelectronics of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 18-20 are schematic views showing further details of the pod ofthe system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 21 is a schematic view showing exemplary operation of the systemshown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are schematic views showing alternative approaches forcooling the inner portion of the nest assembly of the system shown inFIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 24-27 are schematic views showing another pod which may be usedwith the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing another novel system for providing asingle serving of a frozen confection; and

FIGS. 29-31 are schematic views showing another novel system forproviding a single serving of a frozen confection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel systemfor providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reducedperiod of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container(e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed.

In addition, the same system is also capable of providing a singleserving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

The System in General

In one preferred form of the invention, and looking first at FIGS. 1-6,there is provided a novel system 10 for providing a single serving of afrozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, a smoothie, etc.).System 10 is also capable of providing a single serving of a coldbeverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

For clarity of explanation, system 10 will first be described in thecontext of providing a single serving of a frozen confection; thensystem 10 will be described in the context of providing a single servingof a cold beverage; and then system 10 will be described in the contextof providing a single serving of a hot beverage.

System 10 generally comprises a machine 20 and a pod 30, wherein machine20 is configured to, among other things, receive a pod 30 containing asupply of ingredients for forming a single serving of the frozenconfection, cool pod 30 (and its contents), introduce cold water and airinto pod 30, agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to form the frozenconfection, and then eject the frozen confection from pod 30 directlyinto the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will beconsumed.

The Machine

Machine 20 is configured to, among other things, receive a pod 30containing a supply of ingredients for forming a single serving of thefrozen confection, cool pod 30 (and its contents), introduce cold waterand air into pod 30, agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to form thefrozen confection, and then eject the frozen confection from pod 30directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which itwill be consumed.

To this end, machine 20 is a reusable device which generally comprises ahousing 40, a nest assembly 50, a lid assembly 60, a water supply 70, acold water and air delivery assembly 80, a heat dissipation assembly 90and control electronics 100.

Housing 40 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. Housing 40 generally comprises a base110, a cover 120 mounted to base 110, and a tray 130 mounted to base110. Cover 120 serves to enclose interior components of machine 20 andto support other components of machine 20. Tray 130 serves to receive acontainer (e.g., a bowl) into which the frozen confection is to beejected and from which the frozen confection is to be consumed(alternatively, where the frozen confection is to be consumed from acone, the cone is held above tray 130).

Nest assembly 50 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 7-12. Nest assembly50 serves to receive a pod 30 containing a supply of ingredients forforming a single serving of the frozen confection and, among otherthings, rapidly cool pod 30 (and its contents) so as to provide a singleserving of a frozen confection in a reduced period of time. To this end,and as will hereinafter be discussed, nest assembly 50 and pod 30 areeach provided with a unique configuration and a unique construction soas to speed up cooling of pod 30.

More particularly, nest assembly 50 generally comprises a nest 140having a top surface 150, a bottom surface 160 and a plurality of outerfaces 170. In one preferred form of the invention, nest 140 has eightouter faces 170, so that nest 140 has a generally octagonalconfiguration. Alternatively, nest 140 may have a different number ofouter faces 170. Nest 140 is preferably formed out of a highheat-transfer material such as aluminum.

Nest 140 also comprises a bore 180 and a counterbore 190. A hollowcylinder 200 is disposed in bore 180 and extends upward into counterbore190. As a result of this construction, an annular recess 210 (i.e., atoroidal recess 210) is formed in top surface 150 of nest 140. Annularrecess 210 is generally characterized by an outer wall 220 (which isdefined by the aforementioned counterbore 190) and an inner wall 230(which is defined by the aforementioned hollow cylinder 200). Annularrecess 210 is sized to receive pod 30 therein as will hereinafter bediscussed.

Nest 140 also comprises a bore 232 which opens on bottom surface 160 ofnest 140 and communicates with the interior of annular recess 210. Anexit nozzle 233 is mounted to bottom surface 160 of nest 140 at bore 232so that exit port 234 of exit nozzle 233 communicates with the interiorof annular recess 210. A pod sensor 235 is provided in nest 140 todetect when a pod 30 is disposed in annular recess 210 of nest 140.

Nest assembly 50 also comprises a plurality of thermoelectric (TEC)assemblies 240. TEC assemblies 240 each comprise a thermoelectric cooler(TEC) element 250, a heat sink 260 and a plurality of heat pipes 270extending between TEC element 250 and heat sink 260 so as to transferheat from TEC element 250 to heat sink 260. If desired, multiple TECelements 250 can be stacked on each heat sink 260 so as to achievehigher temperature differences than can be had with single-stage TECelements 250. As seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 11, TEC assemblies 240 arepositioned against outer faces 170 of nest 140 so that TEC elements 250can provide cold or heat to outer faces 170 of nest 140, depending onthe direction of the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements 250,whereby to provide cold or heat to outer wall 220 of annular recess 210of nest 140 (and hence to provide cold or heat to a pod 30 disposed inannular recess 210 of nest 140). It will be appreciated that whenmachine 20 is to be used to provide a frozen confection, the directionof the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements 250 causes cold tobe applied to outer faces 170 of nest 140.

Heat pipes 270 are preferably of the sort shown in FIG. 12, i.e., theyprovide a high heat-transfer capacity for transferring heat from TECelements 250 to heat sinks 260. Heat pipes 270 are preferably alsoconnected to heat dissipation assembly 90 so as to carry the heatcollected by heat pipes 270 to heat dissipation assembly 90 for furtherdissipation to the environment.

Nest assembly 50 also comprises a cylindrical TEC 280 for providing coldto inner wall 230 of annular recess 210, and a cylindrical TEC 290 forsupplying heat to inner wall 230 of annular recess 210.

Lid assembly 60 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 13 and 14. Lidassembly 60 generally comprises a handle 300 to which is mounted a lid310, such that lid 310 moves in conjunction with handle 300. Handle 300is pivotally mounted to cover 120 of housing 40 via a pivot pin 320. Asa result of this construction, lid assembly 60 can pivot towards or awayfrom nest assembly 50 (see FIG. 1). A lid sensor 325 (FIGS. 1 and 2) isprovided for detecting when lid 310 is in its closed position.

Lid assembly 60 comprises a plunger 330 which is movably mounted to lid310. More particularly, plunger 330 comprises a circumferential gear 340and a longitudinal gear 350, and lid assembly 60 comprises a rotationmotor 360 for driving a rotation gear 370 and a vertical motor 380 fordriving a vertical gear 390, with rotation gear 370 of rotation motor360 engaging circumferential gear 340 of plunger 330, and with verticalgear 390 of vertical motor 380 engaging longitudinal gear 350 of plunger330. As a result of this construction, rotation motor 360 can causeplunger 330 to rotate within lid 310, and vertical motor 380 can causeplunger 330 to move vertically within lid 310.

Plunger 330 further comprises a plurality of fingers 400 for engagingcounterpart fingers on pod 30 (see below), and a pair of hollow fangs410, 420 for penetrating the top of pod 30 and delivering additionalingredients into pod 30 (see below).

Looking next at FIGS. 1-6, water supply 70 generally comprises anambient-temperature water tank 430 and a cold water tank 440. In onepreferred form of the invention, ambient-temperature water tank 430 mayhold approximately 2.0 liters of water, and cold water tank 440 may holdapproximately 0.5 liter of water. Ambient-temperature water tank 430comprises a removable cover 445 to enable ambient-temperature water tank430 to be filled with water. A line (not shown) is provided for movingwater from ambient-temperature water tank 430 to cold water tank 440. Awater sensor 450 (FIG. 4) is provided for monitoring for the presence ofwater in ambient-temperature water tank 430, and a water temperaturesensor 460 (FIG. 6) is provided for monitoring the temperature of thewater in cold water tank 440. A plurality of TEC assemblies 470, eachpreferably similar to the aforementioned TEC assemblies 240, areprovided for chilling the water in cold water tank 440, i.e., TECassemblies 470 comprise TEC elements 473, heat sinks 475 and heat pipes477. Heat pipes 477 of TEC assemblies 470 are preferably connected toheat dissipation assembly 90 so as to carry the heat produced by TECassemblies 470 to heat dissipation assembly 90.

Looking next at FIGS. 6 and 14, cold water and air delivery assembly 80generally comprises a water pump 480 which pumps cold water from coldwater tank 440 into hollow fang 410 of plunger 330, and an air pump 490which pumps air into hollow fang 420 of plunger 330. In one preferredform of the invention, hollow fang 410 comprises a spray nozzle forinjecting droplets of atomized water into pod 30 (see below), whereby tofacilitate the formation of the frozen confection (see below). Suchspray nozzles are well known in the art of liquid dispersion. Cold waterand air delivery assembly 80 also comprises various fluid lines (notshown) for transferring water from cold water tank 440 to hollow fang410 of plunger 330 and for introducing air into hollow fang 420 ofplunger 330.

Heat dissipation assembly 90 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 15 and16. Heat dissipation assembly 90 dissipates heat received from heatpipes 270 of TEC assemblies 240 of nest 140 and dissipates heat receivedfrom the heat pipes 477 of TEC assemblies 470 of cold water tank 440.Heat dissipation assembly 90 generally comprises a plurality of heatsinks 500 which draw heat from heat pipes 510 (which are connected toheat pipes 270 of TEC assemblies 240 of nest 140 and heat pipes 477 ofTEC assemblies 470 of cold water tank 440), a plurality of condensers520 for receiving heat from heat sinks 500, and a plurality of fans 530for cooling condensers 520.

Control electronics 100 generally comprise a power supply 540 (FIG. 14),a central processing unit (CPU) 550 and a user interface 570 (FIG. 2),e.g., a display screen, operating buttons, etc. As seen in FIG. 17,power supply 540 and CPU 550 are connected to the aforementioned watersensor 450, water temperature sensor 460, TEC assemblies 470,cylindrical TEC 280, cylindrical TEC 290, lid sensor 325, pod sensor235, TEC assemblies 240, water pump 480, air pump 490, rotation motor360, vertical motor 380, condensers 520, fans 530 and user interface570. CPU 550 is appropriately programmed to operate machine 20 inresponse to instructions received from user interface 570 as willhereinafter be discussed.

It will be appreciated that machine 20 is preferably configured tooperate at a maximum load of 1800 watts, which is generally the maximumload that standard outlets in a kitchen can handle.

The Pod

Pod 30 contains a supply of ingredients for providing a single servingof a frozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, a smoothie,etc.). In the preferred form of the invention, pod 30 is provided as asingle-use, disposable pod, i.e., a new pod 30 is used for each servingof the frozen confection.

As noted above, and as will hereinafter be discussed, pod 30 is providedwith a unique configuration and a unique construction so as to speed upcooling of pod 30 (and its contents), whereby to speed up the process ofproducing the frozen confection.

More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 18-20, pod 30 generallycomprises a base 580 having an opening 590 formed therein. An outerhollow tube 600 rises upward from the outer perimeter of base 580, andan inner hollow tube 610 is disposed in opening 590 of base 580 andrises upward from the inner perimeter of base 580. As a result of thisconstruction, an annular recess 620 (i.e., a toroidal recess 620) isformed between base 580, outer hollow tube 600 and inner hollow tube610, with annular recess 620 being generally characterized by a floor630 (defined by base 580), an outer wall 640 (defined by outer hollowtube 600) and an inner wall 650 (defined by inner hollow tube 610). Notethat the diameter of outer hollow tube 600 of pod 30 is slightly lessthan the diameter of counterbore 190 of nest 140, and the diameter ofinner hollow tube 610 of pod 30 is slightly greater than the diameter ofhollow cylinder 200 of nest assembly 50, such that pod 30 can be seatedin annular recess 210 of nest 140, with outer hollow tube 600 of pod 30making a close sliding fit with outer wall 220 of nest 140 and withinner hollow tube 610 of pod 30 making a close sliding fit with innerwall 230 of nest assembly 50.

Preferably base 580 of pod 30 comprises a high heat-transfer material(e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.), outer hollow tube 600 of pod30 comprises a high heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a moldedpolymer, etc.) and inner hollow tube 610 of pod 30 comprises a highheat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.). In onepreferred form of the invention, base 580, outer hollow tube 600 andinner hollow tube 610 comprise a plastic/thin metallic film composite(i.e., a body of plastic having an external covering of a thin metallicfilm). It should be appreciated that the plastic/thin metallic filmcomposite allows for improved thermal transfer and helps preserve thecontents of pod 30, while also providing pod 30 with a unique packagingappearance. Preferably base 580, outer hollow tube 600 and inner hollowtube 610 are substantially rigid.

Thus it will be seen that, due to the unique configurations and uniqueconstructions of nest assembly 50 and pod 30, when a pod 30 is disposedin the annular recess 210 of nest 140, cold can be efficiently appliedto outer wall 640 of pod 30 by outer wall 220 of nest 140, cold can beefficiently applied to inner wall 650 of pod 30 by inner wall 230 ofnest assembly 50, and cold can be efficiently applied to base 580 of pod30 by the floor of annular recess 210 of nest 140. As a result, machine20 can rapidly cool pod 30 (and its contents) so as to provide a singleserving of a frozen confection in a reduced period of time.

Pod 30 also comprises a cap 660, an outer helical scraper paddle 670, aninner helical scraper paddle 680, and a bottom scraper paddle 690.

Cap 660 has an outer edge 700 which is sized slightly smaller than thediameter of outer wall 640 of pod 30, and cap 660 has an inner hole 710which has a diameter slightly larger than inner hollow tube 610 of pod30, such that cap 660 can move longitudinally into, and then along,annular recess 620 of pod 30 (see below). Cap 660 is preferablysubstantially rigid.

Cap 660 also comprises fingers 720 for engaging counterpart fingers 400of plunger 330, whereby rotational and longitudinal motion can beimparted to cap 660 of pod 30 by plunger 330, as will hereinafter bediscussed. Cap 660 also comprises two weakened portions 730, 740 forpenetration by hollow fangs 410, 420, respectively, of plunger 330, aswill hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

Outer helical scraper paddle 670 extends between cap 660 and bottomscraper paddle 690, and comprises an outer edge 750 which makes a closesliding fit with outer wall 640 of annular recess 620. Inner helicalscraper paddle 680 extends between cap 660 and bottom scraper paddle690, and comprises an inner edge 760 which makes a close sliding fitwith inner hollow tube 610 of pod 30. Bottom scraper paddle 690comprises an outer ring 770 which contacts base 580 and makes a closesliding fit with outer wall 640 of annular recess 620, an inner ring 780which contacts base 580 and makes a close sliding fit with inner hollowtube 610 of pod 30, and a pair of struts 790 which contact base 580 andextend between outer ring 770 and inner ring 780. As a result of thisconstruction, fingers 720 may be used to turn cap 660 rotationally, suchthat outer helical scraper paddle 670 rotates, scrapping the interiorsurface of outer wall 640 of pod 30, inner helical scraper paddle 680rotates, scraping the exterior surface of inner hollow tube 610, andstruts 770 rotate, scraping floor 630 of base 580. It will beappreciated that the provision of outer helical scraper paddle 670,inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 is highlyadvantageous, since outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helicalscraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 can simultaneously (i)agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to ensure uniform and rapidformation of the frozen confection, and (ii) prevent the build-up offrozen confection on base 580, outer hollow tube 600 and inner hollowtube 610, which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod 30.

Outer helical scraper paddle 670 and inner helical scraper paddle 680are configured and constructed so that they may be longitudinallycompressed by applying a longitudinal force to cap 660, whereby to movecap 660 into, and along, annular recess 620 of pod 30, so as to bringcap 660 substantially into engagement with base 580 (see below). In onepreferred form of the invention, outer helical scraper paddle 670 andinner helical scraper paddle 680 are made out of spring steel, withouter helical scrapper paddle 670 and inner helical scraper paddle 680compressing to substantially flat configurations when a longitudinalforce drives cap 660 against base 580 (or, more precisely, substantiallyagainst base 580, since the flattened outer helical scraper paddle 670and the flattened inner helical scraper paddle 680 will be disposedbetween, and slightly separate, cap 660 from base 580). Bottom scraperpaddle 690 may also be formed out of spring steel. In another preferredform of the invention, outer helical scraper paddle 670 and/or innerhelical scraper paddle 680 (and/or bottom scraper paddle 690) may bemade out of a plastic. If desired, outer helical scraper paddle 670and/or inner helical scraper paddle 680 (and/or bottom scraper paddle690) may comprise a shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol).

A bore 800 passes through base 580 and communicates with the interior ofannular recess 620. A weakened portion 810 normally closes off bore 800but may be ruptured upon the application of an appropriate force so asto pass material (e.g., frozen confection) therethrough. An exit nozzle820 is mounted to base 580 adjacent to bore 800 so that exit port 830 ofexit nozzle 820 communicates with the interior of annular recess 620when weakened portion 810 has been ruptured.

Pod 30 generally has a surface area-to-volume ratio which is greaterthan 2:1, and which is preferably approximately 8:1. It will beappreciated that increasing the surface area of pod 30 increases thespeed of forming the frozen confection in pod 30, since it allows heatto be drawn out of pod 30 (and its contents) more quickly. It will alsobe appreciated that forming pod 30 with a toroidal configuration (i.e.,with both interior and exterior access surfaces) provides increasedsurface area and enables more rapid cooling of pod 30 and its contents,inasmuch as cold may be simultaneously applied to both the outersurfaces of pod 30 and the inner surfaces of pod 30.

By way of example but not limitation, in one preferred form of theinvention, pod 30 has an outer diameter of 2.25 inches and a height of3.75 inches (i.e., outer hollow tube 600 has an outer diameter of 2.25inches and a height of 3.75 inches), whereby to provide a surface areaof 26.49 square inches and a volume of 14.90 cubic inches; and pod 30has an inner diameter of 1.4 inches and a height of 3.75 inches (i.e.,inner hollow tube 610 has an inner diameter of 1.4 inches and a heightof 3.75 inches), whereby to provide a surface area of 16.49 squareinches and a volume of 5.77 cubic inches; thereby yielding a total podsurface area of 42.98 square inches (i.e., 26.49 square inches+16.49square inches=42.98 square inches) and a total pod volume of 9.13 cubicinches (i.e., 14.90 cubic inches−5.77 cubic inches=9.13 cubic inches),and a surface area-to-volume ratio of 8.47:1.

Pod 30 contains a fresh supply of ingredients for forming the frozenconfection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothie, etc.). Moreparticularly, pod 30 may contain a frozen confection mix (dry or liquid)containing, for example, sugar and powder crystals, preferably many ofwhich are less than 50 μm in size, and preferably containing at least0.1% stabilizers by volume. A dry frozen confection mix preferably hasat least 50% of its constituents (e.g., the sugar and powder crystals)having a size of 50 μm or less.

Where pod 30 is to produce a single serving of ice cream, in a preferredform of the invention, pod 30 may hold approximately 4-6 ounces ofingredients, and the ingredients may comprise approximately 8% fat(e.g., cream, butter, anhydrous milk fat, vegetable fat, etc.),approximately 1% milk solids-non-fat (MSNF) (e.g., skim milk power(SMP), whole milk powder (WMP), evaporated milk, condensed milk, etc.),approximately 13% sucrose, approximately 0.5% emulsifier andapproximately 0.5% stabilizer.

By way of further example but not limitation, if pod 30 contains 1.25ounces of dry yogurt mix, 5 ounces of frozen yogurt will be formed inpod 30 after running machine 20.

Use of the System

Looking now at FIG. 21, machine 20 is prepared for use by introducingwater into ambient-temperature water tank 430 and turning on machine 20.Water sensor 450 confirms that there is water in ambient-temperaturewater tank 430. Machine 20 then pumps water from ambient-temperaturewater tank 430 into cold water tank 440 and chills the water in coldwater tank 440 using TEC assemblies 470. Water temperature sensor 460monitors the temperature of the water in cold water tank 440. Preferablythe water in cold water tank 440 is cooled to between approximately 1-3degrees C. Machine 20 then sits in this standby condition, re-coolingthe water in cold water tank 440 as needed, until a single serving of afrozen confection (e.g., ice cream. frozen yogurt, smoothie, etc.) is tobe prepared.

When a single serving of a frozen confection is to be prepared, lidassembly 60 of machine 20 is opened and a fresh pod 30 is positioned inannular recess 210 of nest 140. This is done so that exit nozzle 820 ofpod 30 seats in exit nozzle 233 of nest 140. Then lid assembly 60 isclosed so that fingers 400 of plunger 330 engage fingers 720 of pod 30,and so that hollow fangs 410, 420 of plunger 330 penetrate the twoweakened portions 730, 740 of pod 30. In addition, a container (i.e.,the container from which the frozen confection will be consumed) isplaced on tray 130 of machine 20, with the container being centeredbelow exit nozzle 233 of nest assembly 50 (alternatively, where thefrozen confection is to be consumed from a cone, the cone is held abovetray 130).

When pod sensor 235 senses the presence of a pod 30 in annular recess210 of nest 140, machine 20 cools nest assembly 50 via TEC assemblies240 and cylindrical TEC 280, which in turn cools the pod 30 (and itscontents) which is located in annular recess 210 of nest 140. Note thatTEC assemblies 240 cool the outer faces 170 of nest 140 so as to coolouter wall 220 of annular recess 210, whereby to cool hollow outer tube600 of pod 30, and cylindrical TEC 280 cools hollow cylinder 200 so asto cool inner wall 230 of annular recess 210, whereby to cool hollowinner tube 610 of pod 30. Note that the high surface area-to-volumeratio of pod 30, provided by its toroidal configuration, allows forfaster cooling of the pod 30 (and its contents). By way of example butnot limitation, the contents of pod 30 can be cooled to a temperature ofapproximately −30 degrees C. so as to form ice cream within 2 minutes(the contents of pod 30 will turn to ice cream at a temperature of −18degrees C., a lower temperature will produce ice cream even faster).Note also that the heat removed from pod 30 via TEC assemblies 240 andcylindrical TEC 280 is transferred to heat dissipation assembly 90 fordissipation to the environment.

When pod 30 has been appropriately cooled, water pump 480 pumps anappropriate amount of cold water (e.g., at least 1.25 ounces of coldwater) from cold water tank 440 into hollow fang 410 in plunger 330, andthen through weakened portion 730 in cap 660, so that the cold water issprayed into the interior of pod 30 and mixes with the contents of pod30. In a preferred form of the invention, 4 ounces of water at 2 degreesC. is sprayed into pod 30. At the same time, rotation motor 360 rotatesplunger 330, whereby to rotate cap 660 of pod 30, which causes outerhelical scraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottomscraper paddle 690 to rotate within annular recess 620 of pod 30.

Note that only cap 660, outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helicalscraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 rotate, and theremainder of pod 30 remains stationary, inasmuch as exit nozzle 820 ofpod 30 is disposed in exit nozzle 233 of nest assembly 50.

This rotational action agitates the contents of pod 30 so as to ensureuniform and rapid mixing of the contents of pod 30. In addition, thisrotational action causes outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helicalscraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 to continuously scrapethe walls of pod 30 so as to prevent the build-up of frozen confectionon the walls of pod 30 (which could inhibit cooling of the contents ofpod 30). Then air pump 490 pumps air into hollow fang 420 in plunger330, and then through weakened portion 740 in cap 660, so that the airenters the interior of pod 30 and mixes with the contents of pod 30.Preferably enough air is pumped into pod 30 to provide an approximately30%-50% overrun (i.e., air bubbles) in pod 30, whereby to give the icecream the desired “loft”. As this occurs, outer helical scraper paddle670, inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690continue to agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to ensure uniform andrapid mixing of the contents of pod 30 and so as to continuously scrapethe walls of pod 30, whereby to prevent a build-up of frozen confectionon the walls of pod 30 (which could inhibit cooling of the contents ofpod 30).

In order to create a “smooth” frozen confection, the majority of icecrystals formed in the frozen confection should be smaller thanapproximately 50 μm. If many of the ice crystals are larger than 50 μm,or if there are extremely large ice crystals (i.e., over 100 μm)present, the frozen confection will be “coarse”. System 10 is designedto produce a “smooth” frozen confection by providing a majority of icecrystals smaller than approximately 50 μm.

More particularly, to develop ice crystals with the proper dispersion(number, size and shape), it is necessary to control the freezingprocess: rates of nucleation vs. growth of crystals. System 10 does thisby simultaneously scraping the inner and outer surfaces of annularrecess 620 of pod 30. In addition, in order to generate numerous smallice crystals, the freezing conditions within pod 30 must promote nucleiformation and minimize ice crystal growth. Promoting ice nucleationrequires very low temperatures, e.g., ideally as low as −30 degrees C.,in order to promote rapid nucleation. System 10 freezes the contents ofpod 30 very quickly (e.g., under 2 minutes), thereby preventing icecrystals from having the time to “ripen” (i.e., grow). Furthermore, onceice nuclei have formed, conditions that minimize their growth are neededto keep the ice crystals as small as possible. To obtain the smallestpossible ice crystals, it is necessary to have the shortest residencetime possible in order to minimize “ripening” (i.e., growth) of the icecrystals. System 10 achieves this by using multiple internal scraperpaddles to remove ice crystals from the walls of the pod, which helpscreate high-throughput rates which keeps the ice crystals small (e.g.,under 50 μm).

When the frozen confection in pod 30 is ready to be dispensed into thecontainer which has been placed on tray 130 of machine 20 (i.e., thecontainer from which the frozen confection will be consumed), or into acone held above tray 130, vertical motor 380 moves plunger 330vertically, causing plunger 330 to force cap 660 of pod 30 downward,toward base 580 of pod 30, with outer helical scraper paddle 670 andinner helical scraper paddle 680 longitudinally compressing with theadvance of cap 660. This action reduces the volume of annular recess620. Vertical motor 380 continues to move plunger 330 vertically,reducing the volume of annular recess 620, until the force of the frozenconfection in pod 30 ruptures weakened portion 810 of pod 30 and thefrozen confection is forced out exit port 830 of pod 30, whereupon thefrozen confection passes through exit port 234 of nest 140 and into thecontainer set on tray 130 (i.e., the container from which the frozenconfection will be consumed) or into the cone held above tray 130. Thisaction continues until cap 660 has been forced against base 580,effectively ejecting all of the frozen confection out of pod 30 and intothe container from which the ice cream will be consumed.

Thereafter, the used pod 30 may be removed from machine 20 and, whenanother single serving of a frozen confection is to be prepared, it maybe replaced by a fresh pod 30 and the foregoing process repeated.

Alternative Approaches for Cooling the Inner Portion of the NestAssembly

If desired, and looking now at FIG. 22, cylindrical TEC 280 may bereplaced by a helical coil 840 which is itself cooled by a TEC element850.

Alternatively, if desired, and looking now at FIG. 23, a TEC assembly240 may be mounted to bottom surface 160 of nest 140 so that TECassembly 240 can cool hollow cylinder 200 of nest 140 (as well as thebottom surface of nest 140).

Using the System to Provide a Cold Beverage

System 10 can also be used to provide a single serving of a coldbeverage. By way of example but not limitation, pod 30 may contain asupply of ingredients for forming cold tea (also sometimes referred toas “iced tea”), cold coffee (also sometimes referred to as “icedcoffee”), cold soda, cold beer, etc. In this circumstance, pod 30 maycontain a dry or liquid cold tea mix, a dry or liquid cold coffee mix, adry or liquid soda mix or a dry or liquid beer mix, etc.

Where system 10 is to be used to provide a single serving of a coldbeverage, a pod 30, containing a supply of the ingredients used to formthe cold beverage, is inserted into nest assembly 50. Nest assembly 50is then used to cool pod 30, and cold water is pumped from cold watertank 440 into pod 30, where it is combined with the ingredientscontained within pod 30, and mixed by outer helical scraper paddle 670,inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690. Whenmixing is completed, vertical motor 380 is activated to eject the coldbeverage into a waiting container.

It will be appreciated that where a cold beverage is to be produced, airmay or may not be pumped into pod 30 (e.g., air may not be pumped intopod 30 when cold tea or cold coffee is being produced, and air may bepumped into pod 30 when cold soda or cold beer is being produced).

It will also be appreciated that where a cold beverage is to beproduced, outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 may be omitted from pod 30 if desired.

Using the System to Provide a Hot Beverage

System 10 can also be used to provide a single serving of a hotbeverage. By way of example but not limitation, pod 30 may contain asupply of ingredients for forming a hot beverage, e.g., hot chocolate,hot coffee, etc. In this situation, pod 30 may contain a dry mix formedfrom ingredients which, when mixed with hot water, provide the desiredbeverage, e.g., a hot chocolate powder, an instant coffee mix, etc.

Where system 10 is to be used to provide a single serving of a hotbeverage, a pod 30, containing a supply of the ingredients used to formthe hot beverage, is inserted into nest assembly 50. Nest assembly 50 isthen used to heat pod 30, and ambient-temperature water is pumped fromambient-temperature water tank 430 into pod 30, where it is combinedwith the ingredients contained within pod 30, and mixed by outer helicalscraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraperpaddle 690. Note that TEC assemblies 240 may be used to supply heat tothe outer surfaces of nest 140 by simply reversing the direction of theelectric current flow supplied to TEC elements 250, and cylindrical TEC290 may be used to supply heat to the inner column of nest 140, wherebyto heat the contents of pod 30. In addition, if desired, theambient-temperature water in ambient-temperature water tank 430 may beheated before injection into pod 30, e.g., via resistance heaterspositioned in the line between ambient-temperature water tank 430 andhollow fang 410 of plunger 330. It will be appreciated that where a hotbeverage is to be produced, air is generally not pumped into pod 30.

In many cases, it may be desirable to “brew” a hot beverage by passingwater through a supply of granulated ingredients, e.g., such as in thecase of coffee or tea. To that end, and looking now at FIGS. 24-27, pod30 can be provided with a filter 860 which contains a supply of thegranulated ingredients (e.g., ground coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.)which is to be brewed. In one preferred form of the invention, and asshown in FIGS. 24-27, filter 860 is disposed adjacent to cap 660, e.g.,filter 860 is secured to cap 660, and outer helical scraper paddle 670,inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 areomitted from pod 30. Note also that when plunger 330 collapses cap 660towards base 580, filter 860 will preferably also collapse, whereby toallow compression of the granulated ingredients contained within filter860, so as to press the fluid out of filter 860, e.g., in the manner ofa so-called “French Press” coffee maker. It should also be appreciatedthat filter 860 is constructed so that it will maintain its structuralintegrity during collapse so that the granulated contents of filter 860do not pass out of pod 30.

Alternative Configuration

If desired, and looking now at FIG. 28, machine 20 can be mounted to acabinet 870, where cabinet 870 sits on legs 880. In this construction,cabinet 870 can include additional cooling apparatus for removing heatfrom heat dissipation assembly 90 (e.g., additional heat pipes,condensers and fans, or a conventional refrigeration unit, etc.).Cabinet 870 may also be configured so as to house fresh pods 30 and/orcontainers for receiving the frozen confections (e.g., bowls and cones),cold beverages (e.g., cups) and hot beverages (e.g., cups).

Chilling the Pod with a Refrigeration Coil

In another form of the invention, and looking now at FIGS. 29-31, nestassembly 50 may be replaced by an alternative nest assembly 50Acomprising a nest 140A in the form of a torus characterized by an outerwall 220A and an inner wall 230A, wherein the torus is formed out of ahigh heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum), and further wherein TECassemblies 240 are replaced by a refrigeration coil 240A which isconnected to heat dissipation assembly 90A, wherein heat dissipationassembly 90A comprises a compressor for driving refrigeration coil 240A.It will be appreciated that, as a result of this construction, nestassembly 50A (and hence a pod 30 disposed in nest assembly 50A) can becooled via a conventional refrigeration system. This construction can beadvantageous since it can quickly cool a pod 30 to −40 degrees C., whichis beyond the thermal performance of TEC elements 250.

Alternative Nest and Pod Constructions

In the foregoing disclosure, nest assembly 50 and nest assembly 50Acomprise an internal cooling element (e.g., hollow cylinder 200containing TEC 280) as well as external cooling elements (e.g., TECassemblies 240), and pod 30 comprises an inner opening (i.e., the lumenof inner hollow tube 610) for receiving the internal cooling element ofnest assemblies 50 and 50A. However, if desired, the internal coolingelement may be omitted from nest assemblies 50 and 50A, in which casethe inner opening of pod 30 may also be omitted.

Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

It should be understood that many additional changes in the details,materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been hereindescribed and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the presentinvention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remainingwithin the principles and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine for providing a single serving of acold beverage or a frozen confection, the machine comprising: a coolingsystem comprising a compressor for driving refrigeration fluid through arefrigeration coil; a first assembly comprising the refrigeration coil,the first assembly having sidewalls partially defining a recess forreceiving a pod containing at least one ingredient for forming thesingle serving of the cold beverage or frozen confection and at leastone internal paddle, the refrigeration coil operable to cool theassembly; and a second assembly comprising a lid and a plunger operableto engage a top of the pod and rotate the at least one internal paddleof the pod to scrape the cold beverage or a frozen confection off a wallof the pod and mix contents of the pod contents, to increase overrunvolume of the at least one ingredient within the pod by mixing airflowing into the pod through an opening in an end wall of the pod withthe at least one ingredient of the pod, and to dispense.
 2. The machineof claim 1, wherein the plunger is configured to engage the top of thepod by engaging at least one protrusion of the plunger into at least onerecess on the top of the pod.
 3. The machine of claim 2, the plunger isconfigured to rotate the at least one internal paddle of the pod bycoupling a rotation of the plunger to the rotation of the at least oneinternal paddle of the pod.
 4. The machine of claim 1, wherein theplunger is movably mounted to lid.
 5. The machine of claim 4, whereinthe plunger comprises a circumferential gear and a longitudinal gear. 6.The machine of claim 5, wherein the second assembly further comprises arotation motor operable to drive a rotation gear and a vertical motoroperable to drive a vertical gear, the rotation gear of rotation motorengaging the circumferential gear of the plunger and the vertical gearof vertical motor engaging the longitudinal gear of the plunger.
 7. Themachine of claim 1, wherein the internal paddle is a helical paddle. 8.The machine of claim 1, wherein sidewalls of the first assembly thatdefine the recess are made of aluminum.
 9. The machine of claim 1,wherein the first assembly comprises an exit nozzle mounted to thebottom surface of the assembly at the bore of the assembly.
 10. Themachine of claim 1, further comprising a water supply for introducingwater into the pod.
 11. The machine of claim 10, further comprising anair supply for introducing air into the pod.
 12. The machine of claim10, wherein the machine is operable to heat the pod.
 13. The machine ofclaim 1, wherein the first assembly includes a bore extending from abottom surface of the nest and aligned with an outlet of the pod todispense the cold beverage or frozen confection forced out of the pod byrotation of the internal paddle directly into a container or conewithout coming into contact with other portions of the machine.
 14. Amachine for providing a single serving of a cold beverage or frozenconfection, the machine comprising: a cooling system comprising acompressor configured to cool a refrigeration coil, the cooling systemassembly defining a recess for receiving a pod containing at least oneingredient for forming a single serving of the cold beverage or frozenconfection and at least one internal paddle, the assembly comprising therefrigeration coil operable to cool the assembly; and a lid assemblycomprising a lid and a plunger to engage a top of the pod and to rotatethe at least one internal paddle of the pod to dispense the coldbeverage or frozen confection forced out of the pod by rotation of theinternal paddle directly into a container or cone without coming intocontact with other portions of the machine; wherein walls of theassembly that define the recess are made of aluminum; and wherein theplunger is movably mounted to lid.
 15. The machine of claim 14, whereinthe cooling system assembly comprises an exit nozzle mounted to thebottom surface of the assembly at the bore of the assembly.
 16. Themachine of claim 14, wherein the plunger comprises a circumferentialgear and a longitudinal gear.
 17. The machine of claim 16, wherein thelid assembly further comprises a rotation motor operable to drive arotation gear and a vertical motor operable to drive a vertical gear,the rotation gear of rotation motor engaging the circumferential gear ofthe plunger and the vertical gear of vertical motor engaging thelongitudinal gear of the plunger.